Sports stars Jwala Gutta and Pankaj Advani are disappointed over attacks on social media for expressing themselves.

As sports stars, their game has often done the talking. But heaven forbid them voicing an iota of discontent on social media. Badminton star Jwala Gutta and billiards and snooker champion Pankaj Advani were recipients of internet trolling when both took to social media to express their anger and disappointment over the Padma award snub to them. Gutta shared how she had applied for the award for three years, but the government had not paid heed. Advani also shared how he was sad at being ignored by the government for the civilian honour despite winning 16 world titles and two Asian games golds. "I was expecting to be acknowledged nothing else, I don’t run after awards," said Gutta. "I am within my right to question. Questioning doesn’t mean cribbing. Just because I speak my mind, people on social media attack me. I deal with it, but it is very disappointing to not be allowed to use your own platform freely. Social media is for expressing. People ask many questions in public but when I ask, people come out and start trolling me.".

Advani said the Sports Minister of his home state Karnataka had called him up a few months ago to tell him that his name was recommended by the state for the Padma awards. "When you win consistently for your country and end up breaking records in the process, it is very difficult to deal with being ignored, year after year for a Padma award," said Advani. "People on social media started accusing me of begging for the award, which was very offensive. Rather than empathy, people were all out giving me advice on how I should improve my attitude and let it be, rather than express myself.".

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